Sound effects are often used to compliment and enhance artistic presentations, whether they be podcasts, videos, or other audio/visual productions. Royalty-free sound effects are typically non-exclusive and can be used by anyone who purchases them. Professional sound effects can give a podcast or production a more professional sound. However, many new producers may not realize that sound effects have copyrights, and in many cases it is illegal to use a sound effect that you happen to find on the web without properly licensing it.

Most podcasters and producers do not have the time or equipment to go out and record all the sound effects they may want to incorporate into their production. Podcasters are better off using royalty-free sound effects. Royalty-free sound effects are purchased, and there is no recurring fee for the use of the effect. The purchaser may use the sound effect(s) as often as required within the license terms and conditions, without paying for the use of the sound effect each time the effect is used.

Fortunately, there are a number of sound effect websites where podcasters can purchase a single effect for a fixed fee, or they can purchase a sound effect subscription that allows the subscriber to download multiple effects. Sound effect websites allow webmasters, podcasters, and producers to locate sound effects for their productions without the hassle of renting sound equipment and creating their own effects. With regard to copyright laws, businesses must be very careful if they use unlicensed effects.

There are also risks in using "free" sound effects. Many of the free websites contain collaborative works from multiple sound engineers and artists. While the websites may attempt to monitor the effects in their collections in order to comply with copyright laws, there are no guarantees. If you opt to use sound effects from a free portal, it is important to keep this in mind.

The following is a list of reputable sound effects websites that are available: